Accounts Reset Password for Account in Windows 11

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This tutorial will show you how to reset the password of a local account and Microsoft account in Windows 11.

If you forgot or lost your account password for Windows 11, you may be able to change or reset it.

References:

If your PC is on a domain, your system administrator must reset your password.



Contents

  • Option One: Reset Password of any Local Account in Netplwiz
  • Option Two: Reset Password of any Local Account in Local Users and Groups
  • Option Three: Reset Password of your Local Account at Sign-in with Security Questions
  • Option Four: Reset Password of your Local Account at Sign in with Password Reset Disk
  • Option Five: Reset Password of your Microsoft Account Online at Microsoft
  • Option Six: Reset Password of your Microsoft Account at Sign-in




Option One

Reset Password of any Local Account in Netplwiz


You must be signed in as an administrator to use this option.

If you don't have another administrator account, then you can enable the built-in Administrator account to sign in and use to reset the password of the other account.


For security reasons, Windows protects certain information by making it impossible to access if the user's password is reset by another account. When an administrator changes the password of another user's local account on the PC, that local account will lose all EFS-encrypted files, personal certificates, and stored passwords for Web sites or network resources.


1 Open netplwiz, and check the Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer box. (see screenshots below)

If you turned on For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device (aka: passwordless sign-in), you will not see the Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer check box until you turn off For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device.


2 Select the local account (ex: "Brink2") you want to reset its password.

3 Click/tap on the Reset Password button.

4 Type a New password.

5 Type the new password again to Confirm new password.

6 Click/tap on OK in Reset Password dialog.

7 Click/tap on OK in User Accounts dialog.

Rest_local_account_password_netplwiz-1.png
Rest_local_account_password_netplwiz-2.png





Option Two

Reset Password of any Local Account in Local Users and Groups


You must be signed in as an administrator to use this option.

If you don't have another administrator account, then you can enable the built-in Administrator account to sign in and use to reset the password of the other account.

Local Users and Groups is only available in the Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.


For security reasons, Windows protects certain information by making it impossible to access if the user's password is reset by another account. When an administrator changes the password of another user's local account on the PC, that local account will lose all EFS-encrypted files, personal certificates, and stored passwords for Web sites or network resources.


1 Open Local Users and Groups (lusrmgr.msc).

2 Perform the following actions: (see screenshot below)
  • Click/tap on Users in the left pane.
  • Select a local account (ex: "Brink2") in the middle pane you want to reset its password.
  • Click/tap on More Actions in the right "Actions" pane.
  • Click/tap on Set Password.
Reset_local_account_password_lusrmgr-1.png

3 Click/tap on Proceed to confirm. (see screenshot below)

Reset_local_account_password_lusrmgr-2.png

4 Perform the following actions: (see screenshot below)
  • Type a New password.
  • Type the new password again to Confirm password.
  • Click/tap on OK.
Reset_local_account_password_lusrmgr-3.png

5 Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

Reset_local_account_password_lusrmgr-4.png

6 You can now close Local Users and Groups if you like.




Option Three

Reset Password of your Local Account at Sign-in with Security Questions


This option requires you added security questions when you set up your local account for Windows 11.


1 While on the Sign-in screen, enter an incorrect password. (see screenshot below)

Rest_local_account_password_at_sign-in_with_security_questions-1.jpg

2 Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

Rest_local_account_password_at_sign-in_with_security_questions-2.jpg

3 Click/tap on the Reset password link. (see screenshot below)

Rest_local_account_password_at_sign-in_with_security_questions-3.jpg

4 Answer your security questions, and press Enter or click/tap on the submit arrow. (see screenshot below)

Rest_local_account_password_at_sign-in_with_security_questions-4.jpg

5 Perform the following actions: (see screenshot below)
  • Type a New password.
  • Type the new password again to Confirm password.
  • Press Enter or click/tap on the submit arrow.
Rest_local_account_password_at_sign-in_with_security_questions-5.jpg

6 You will now be signed in to Windows 11 with your new password.




Option Four

Reset Password of your Local Account at Sign in with Password Reset Disk


This option requires you to have previously created a Password Reset Disk for your local account.


1 While on the Sign-in screen, enter an incorrect password. (see screenshot below)

Rest_local_account_password_at_sign-in_with_security_questions-1.jpg

2 Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

Rest_local_account_password_at_sign-in_with_security_questions-2.jpg

3 Click/tap on the Reset password link. (see screenshot below)

Rest_local_account_password_at_sign-in_with_security_questions-3.jpg

4 Connect the Password Reset Disk (USB flash drive).

5 Click/tap on the Use a password reset disk instead link at the bottom. (see screenshot below)

Rest_local_account_password_at_sign-in_with_password_reset_disk-4.jpg

6 Click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

Rest_local_account_password_at_sign-in_with_password_reset_disk-5.jpg

7 Select the USB flash drive (password reset disk), and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

Rest_local_account_password_at_sign-in_with_password_reset_disk-6.jpg

8 Perform the following actions: (see screenshot below)
  • Type a New password.
  • Type the new password again to confirm.
  • Type a new password hint.
  • Click/tap on Next.
Rest_local_account_password_at_sign-in_with_password_reset_disk-7.jpg

7 Click/tap on Finish. (see screenshot below)

Rest_local_account_password_at_sign-in_with_password_reset_disk-8.jpg




Option Five

Reset Password of your Microsoft Account Online at Microsoft


1 Go to the Microsoft site below.


2 Enter your Microsoft account email address, phone number or Skype name if not already, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

Reset_Microsoft_account_online-1.png

8 If you use the Microsoft Authenticator app, enter the code, click/tap on Next, and go to step 10. (see screenshot below)

Reset_Microsoft_account_online-2.png

9 If you do not use the Microsoft Authenticator app, then: (see screenshots below)
  • Click/tap on the Show more verification methods link.
  • Select (dot) how you would like to get a security code.
  • Provide any required information for the verification method you selected.
  • Click/tap on Get code.
  • Enter the code, and click/tap on Next.
Reset_Microsoft_account_online-3.png
Reset_Microsoft_account_online-4.png
Reset_Microsoft_account_online-8.png

10 If you turned on two-step verification for your Microsoft account, perform the following actions: (see screenshots below)
  • Click/tap on the Show more verification methods link.
  • Select (dot) how you would like to get a second security code.
  • Provide any required information for the verification method you selected.
  • Click/tap on Get code.
  • Enter the code, and click/tap on Next.
Reset_Microsoft_account_online-6.png
Reset_Microsoft_account_online-7.png
Reset_Microsoft_account_online-8.png

11 Perform the following actions: (see screenshot below)
  • Type a New password.
  • Reenter password again to confirm.
  • Click/tap on Next.

Passwords for a Microsoft account must have at least 8 characters and contain at least two of the following: uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

You must create a password that you haven't used before. To help protect your account, you need to create a new password every time you reset or change it.


Reset_Microsoft_account_online-9.png

12 Your Microsoft account has now been recovered and reset with the new password. You can now Sign in to your Microsoft account on your devices with the new password when they are connected to the internet to sync the new password. (see screenshot below)

Reset_Microsoft_account_online-10.png




Option Six

Reset Password of your Microsoft Account at Sign-in


This option requires you to be connected to the Internet.


1 While on the Sign-in screen, click/tap on the I forgot my password link. (see screenshot below)

Rest_Microsoft_account_password_at_sign-in-1.jpg

2 Select how you would like to get your security code, enter any required information, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

Rest_Microsoft_account_password_at_sign-in-2.jpg

3 Enter the code, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

Rest_Microsoft_account_password_at_sign-in-3.jpg

4 If you turned on two-step verification for your Microsoft account, select how you would like to get a second security code, enter any required information, and click/tap on Get code. (see screenshot below)

Rest_Microsoft_account_password_at_sign-in-4.jpg

5 Enter the code, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

Rest_Microsoft_account_password_at_sign-in-5.jpg

6 Enter a new password for your Microsoft account, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

Passwords for a Microsoft account must have at least 8 characters and contain at least two of the following: uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

You must create a password that you haven't used before. To help protect your account, you need to create a new password every time you reset or change it.


Rest_Microsoft_account_password_at_sign-in-6.jpg

7 Your Microsoft account password has now been reset and changed. Click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

Rest_Microsoft_account_password_at_sign-in-7.jpg

8 You can now sign in with your new password.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 
Last edited:
Hypothetically, If you are signed in with a microsoft account, I am guessing the account password cannot be reset as it's not a local account via the built in admin account or any other "interesting" methods (ease of access replacement etc)?

I understand you can reset it via the forgot password links, but if you have no recovery options, are you out of luck?
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5700 X3D
    Motherboard
    MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4 3600mhz Gskill Ripjaws V
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 4070 Super , 12GB VRAM Asus EVO Overclock
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 2.0) 2560 x 1440 @ 170hz HDR
    Hard Drives
    2TB Samsung nvme ssd
    2TB XPG nvme ssd
    PSU
    CORSAIR RMx SHIFT Series™ RM750x 80 PLUS Gold Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
    Case
    CORSAIR 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – Black
    Cooling
    ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 CPU Water Cooler
    Internet Speed
    900mbps DOWN, 100mbps UP
  • Operating System
    Chrome OS
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Chromebook
    CPU
    Intel Pentium Quad Core
    Memory
    4GB LPDDR4
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14 Inch HD SVA anti glare micro edge display
    Hard Drives
    64 GB emmc
Hypothetically, If you are signed in with a microsoft account, I am guessing the account password cannot be reset as it's not a local account via the built in admin account or any other "interesting" methods (ease of access replacement etc)?

I understand you can reset it via the forgot password links, but if you have no recovery options, are you out of luck?

Hello Andrew, :-)

Correct. Only a local account can have its password reset locally by another admin account.

You'd have to use option 5 or 6 to reset the password of a Microsoft account.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
So it is definitely more secure to use the microsoft account sign in vs a local account then for something like a laptop. Interesting.

I would imagine that combined with bitlocker, A lockout of 3 password attempts in group policy, and a bios password would do a decent job protecting data.

Thanks.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5700 X3D
    Motherboard
    MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4 3600mhz Gskill Ripjaws V
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 4070 Super , 12GB VRAM Asus EVO Overclock
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 2.0) 2560 x 1440 @ 170hz HDR
    Hard Drives
    2TB Samsung nvme ssd
    2TB XPG nvme ssd
    PSU
    CORSAIR RMx SHIFT Series™ RM750x 80 PLUS Gold Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
    Case
    CORSAIR 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – Black
    Cooling
    ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 CPU Water Cooler
    Internet Speed
    900mbps DOWN, 100mbps UP
  • Operating System
    Chrome OS
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Chromebook
    CPU
    Intel Pentium Quad Core
    Memory
    4GB LPDDR4
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14 Inch HD SVA anti glare micro edge display
    Hard Drives
    64 GB emmc
So it is definitely more secure to use the microsoft account sign in vs a local account then for something like a laptop. Interesting.

I would imagine that combined with bitlocker, A lockout of 3 password attempts in group policy, and a bios password would do a decent job protecting data.

Thanks.

In addition, throw in two-step verification for the Microsoft account to make it even more secure.

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5700 X3D
    Motherboard
    MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4 3600mhz Gskill Ripjaws V
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 4070 Super , 12GB VRAM Asus EVO Overclock
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 2.0) 2560 x 1440 @ 170hz HDR
    Hard Drives
    2TB Samsung nvme ssd
    2TB XPG nvme ssd
    PSU
    CORSAIR RMx SHIFT Series™ RM750x 80 PLUS Gold Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
    Case
    CORSAIR 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – Black
    Cooling
    ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 CPU Water Cooler
    Internet Speed
    900mbps DOWN, 100mbps UP
  • Operating System
    Chrome OS
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Chromebook
    CPU
    Intel Pentium Quad Core
    Memory
    4GB LPDDR4
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14 Inch HD SVA anti glare micro edge display
    Hard Drives
    64 GB emmc

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